January 2026 Newsletter
|
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and resources from the Office of Research Protections (ORP)
|
|
|
|
|
Updated Research Misconduct Policy
|
The University of Pittsburgh has implemented an updated Research Misconduct Policy and Procedure, effective January 1, 2026. This policy affirms the University's responsibility to uphold research integrity in all scholarly endeavors. It outlines procedures for handling allegations of research misconduct, in accordance with the University's commitment to responsible research conduct and applicable federal regulations.
Research misconduct is defined as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results, when committed intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly.
An upcoming webinar will discuss what constitutes research misconduct under the revised policy, how allegations are reported and assessed, and the roles and responsibilities of investigators, research staff, and institutional officials.
|
|
Webinar on the Research Misconduct Policy
Friday, January 30, 2026
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
|
|
|
|
ORP will host a February webinar to familiarize researchers with emergency management practices that facilitate research continuity during unexpected events. The session focuses on planning for unexpected disruptions—drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighting risks ranging from natural disasters to cyberattacks.
Date: February 20, 2026
Time: 12:00 – 1 PM
Key Topics
-
Review of the University’s Emergency Management Plan
-
Resources and planning for investigators
-
Strategies for research with animal and human subjects during emergencies
Speakers
-
Robert Chamberlain, University Emergency Coordinator
-
Jean Barone, Director, Human Research Protection
-
Amy Cassano, University Attending Veterinarian
Register Using this Link
|
|
|
|
Federal Policies Affecting Data and Biospecimen Transfers to Countries of Concern
|
|
Several new federal policies affect the transfer of certain types of data and biological specimens to countries of concern, which include China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela.
Department of Justice Data Security Program (Effective April 8, 2025)
The Department of Justice issued a final rule (28 CFR Part 202) implementing Executive Order 14117, which restricts U.S. persons from engaging in certain data transactions involving bulk sensitive personal data with countries of concern. The purpose is to reduce the risk that large-scale datasets could be exploited for surveillance, targeting, or other activities that could compromise individual privacy or national security. Specific thresholds have been established for different types of sensitive data, and transfers exceeding these thresholds are not permitted, even if the data are de-identified.
Learn more on this Webpage
NIH Controlled-Access Data Repositories (Effective April 4, 2025)
As of April 4, 2025, NIH is prohibiting institutions located in countries of concern from accessing NIH Controlled-Access Data Repositories and associated data. This means federally funded research collaborations involving controlled-access data cannot share those data with institutions in these countries.
Read the Related NIH Notice
NIH Human Biospecimens Policy (Effective October 24, 2025)
On September 24, 2025, NIH published "Enhancing Security Measures for Human Biospecimens" (NOT-OD-25-160), which prohibits sharing human biospecimens of U.S. persons—directly or indirectly—with institutions in countries of concern when those specimens were collected, obtained, stored, used, or distributed using ongoing or new NIH funds.
|
|
|
|
As noted in previous newsletters, federal funding agencies have been mandated by the CHIPS and Science Act to require research security training within one year of submitting an application for research funding. All senior/key personnel listed on a proposal must certify that training has been completed. False certifications on federal applications may be subject to penalties under federal law. The University is also establishing mechanisms to verify training completion by senior/key personnel prior to proposal submission.
The National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) currently require research security training to be completed within 12 months prior to proposal submission.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicated in Notice NOT-OD-26-017 that effective for applications submitted for due dates on or after May 25, 2026, institutions must certify that all senior/key personnel listed on a new NIH application have completed research security training within the previous 12 months.
At Pitt, federal research security training is available through the CITI platform. To access it, log in to CITI, scroll to the bottom menu (Learner Tools for University of Pittsburgh), and select "Add a Course." On the next page, scroll to the bottom and choose Research Security Training to add it to your training portfolio.
Plan ahead to ensure all senior/key personnel listed on your application have completed research security training in advance of the submission deadline.
Because many investigators submit new applications to federal agencies annually, this training will often need to be completed each year. To reduce burden, Pitt plans to implement a brief refresher module ahead of the NIH deadline, allowing investigators who have already completed the full training to satisfy the annual requirement more efficiently.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Public Health Service Policy requires the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), through the Institutional Official (IO), to promptly provide the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) with a full explanation of the circumstances and actions taken with respect to: (a) any serious or continuing noncompliance with PHS Policy, (b) any serious deviation from the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, or (c) any suspension of activities by the IACUC.
On January 20, 2026, NIH issued Notice NOT-OD-25-148, updating and clarifying reporting requirements that were previously outlined in NOT-OD-05-034 (which this notice rescinds). According to the updated guidance, examples of reportable situations include:
-
Conduct of animal-related activities without appropriate IACUC review and approval or failure to adhere to IACUC-approved protocols.
-
Participation in animal-related activities by individuals who have not been determined by the IACUC to be appropriately qualified and trained.
-
Failure to monitor animals post-procedurally as necessary to ensure well-being (e.g., during recovery from anesthesia).
-
Failure to ensure death of animals after euthanasia procedures (e.g., failed euthanasia with carbon dioxide).
-
Failure of animal care and use personnel to carry out veterinary orders (e.g., treatments).
It is important for investigators to ensure that none of these reportable situations occur in their laboratories, to avoid required reports to OLAW about noncompliance with the Guide or PHS Policy.
|
|
|
|
New Policy Approved: Use of Human Cadavers and Recognizable Human Body Parts (RI 12)
|
The University of Pittsburgh has approved and published a new policy, RI-12: Use of Human Cadavers and Recognizable Human Body Parts. This policy governs the appropriate use of cadavers and recognizable human body parts for research, education, and clinical training in any University of Pittsburgh facility.
Policy RI-12 helps ensure this important work is carried out ethically, respectfully, and in alignment with institutional standards, with clear guidance for those who may handle or oversee these materials as part of their academic or clinical responsibilities.
|
|
Upcoming Educational & Training Opportunities
|
Consider signing up for these training opportunities offered by the Office of Research Protections:
⭐️ - part of the ORP Seminar Series
|
|
|
|
Stay in the Loop—Join Our Monthly Newsletter
Mailing List
If you're not already subscribed to receive our monthly newsletter, it's quick and easy to sign-up and stay connected with the latest from the Office of Research Protections (ORP).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
